2/14, 2:30 PM

On the way to Ventura. Did a two-day [workshop] in Monterey. We also did some sightseeing, but there doesn't seem to be all that much to see. [There was a small beach and a quaint little mall, but that was it.] I've decided I like Branson as a tourist town. All the others are so puny. (Below - at the beach in Monterey)

We're driving along the beach. It's pretty. The water is a gorgeous sapphire color. [We were supposed to be doing schoolwork at this point, but none of the girls were, because we were all looking out the window.] The natural variety in California is amazing. So far we've seen seashore, forest, desert, and everything in between. It's prettier than I thought it would be. And more rural. [I had expected lots of big cities. There were definitely plenty of them, but I was really surprised by how open and rural some areas were.] Lots of palm trees here. Very scenic.

In-N-Out Burger - a California phenomenon I haven't experienced yet. They're all over, though, and Andrew swears by them. We tease him too much. 3/4 of what we say is eather teasing of derogatory, and that needs to change. I need to change it.

Hat a great time with Grandma and the Joneses [my aunt, uncle, and cousins, who I visited while we were in the Bay Area]. Played wiffle ball, air hockey, shuffleboard, and bowling with Ian [my 12-year-old cousin]. Broke all the mission trip rules [writing a thank-you note, helping with dishes, saying "whatever's easiest for you," etc.], but I decided that it wasn't exactly a normal host home. Played Life by Rachelle's [10-year-old cousin] rules. Played Bridge - Uncle Milt and I creamed Grandma and Aunt Becky. [Bridge is an absolute obsession in the Roberts family. When she married into the family, one of my aunts made my uncle make a prenuptial agreement with her that she'd never have to play Bridge. Dad loves it, and we play all the time at home. I'm a pretty decent player, if I do say so myself.]

I need to write Andrew a thank-you note [for arranging my stay with my family. I kept meaning to do this, but never did, and now I kinda feel bad that I didn't, but it's also kinda too late now. Andrew, if you ever read this - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!]

Picked up stuff for paper plate awards today. Also going... [had to stop in the middle of an entry. Not sure where we were going!]